Flipping-Type Graft Fixation Device with Sliding Retention Loop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flipping-type fixation devices for graft tissue fixation, such as in ACL reconstruction, face challenges where the graft is partially dislodged during the flipping procedure, reducing bone contact and potentially slowing healing due to the need for the bar to be passed completely outside the tunnel, leading to incomplete bone integration.

Innovation Solution

A graft retention device with an elongated body featuring sliding slots and a tang mechanism, where a graft retention loop moves along the tang from one end to a midpoint, allowing for reduced flipping distance and enhanced bone contact by maintaining the graft's position within the tunnel during reorientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bar is passed completely outside the tunnel to initiate flipping, then the device can be reoriented against the bone, but the graft is pulled free of the tunnel by about 50% of the bar length, decreasing bone contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reorientationVSAvoidgraft position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retention loop is designed to slide along the bar from a first position during insertion to a second position during flipping, dynamically adjusting its position to maintain optimal graft contact with the bone throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention loop is pre-positioned on the bar at a specific location that corresponds to the desired final graft position, allowing the graft to maintain contact with the bone during the flipping operation without requiring complete extraction of the bar from the tunnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If longer loop lengths are used to accommodate the flipping motion, then the device can be reoriented, but motion of the graft within the tunnel increases, potentially slowing healing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reorientationVSAvoidhealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention loop's ability to slide along the bar provides controlled motion that accommodates the flipping operation while limiting excessive graft movement within the tunnel, balancing operational ease with healing optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the position parameter of the retention loop along the bar during the procedure, moving it from a first position during insertion to a second position during flipping, thereby optimizing both operational capability and healing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11717394B2Flipping-type graft fixation device and method with low flipping distance

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

AI summary

A graft retention device has an elongated body with first and a second ends, and a midpoint therebetween. A pair of elongated slots through the body defines a tang therebetween. At least one of the slots have an open first end into the body at the body first end such that the first end is closed via a retention line between the tang and the body. A graft retention loop disposed over the tang is slidable therealong from a first position closer to the body first end and a second position closer to the midpoint.